Grand Campaign-German vs AI

[Grotius]

So do I, but then I'm playing the Sovs, so I don't have much choice but to move them backwards. In 1941, I've moved most of my air units almost every turn.

Is there a big disadvantage to moving them with non-rail movement? I often do that to save rail capacity.

[Mynok]

I've never moved mine with rail (only played Germans).

[2ndACR]

I am not sure about moving with rail or not. I use standard movement, but dont want to supply them with trucks so wait until my rail is repaired close to the front and then they are placed on the rail line so that rail supplies them instead.

Turn 9 has come and gone. Mud hit me again across large portions of the map. Small advances made in the mud.

In the north, I am nearing Leningrad from the west along the coast and also from the south.

In the central zone, the Russians were not quick enough and 10 Div were eliminated. I am almost out of the swamp completely. Gomel will fall next turn. I am 4 hexes from Chernigov. I am completely across the Dneper River and advancing.

In the south, another pocket of 12 Div was destroyed in front of Kiev. I have a panzer Div across the river just south of Kiev. Armor units are stacked up just south of Kiev and will swarm across the river next turn. Odessa is set to be hit within next 2 turns. I may have to shift a German Div or 2 back to help crush it. Not sure yet.

I have not leaped my air force forward due to mud. Next turn they will leap forward (if the mud goes away).

Casualties for turn 9. Will post any shots that are requested.

[2ndACR]

Okay, turn 10 is done. I have smashed multiple holes up and down the line. Lots of action. The AI has a choice to make, pull back big time or I will pocket and destroy him. Only along the swamp is the Russian line holding but I will not attack across the river, but move laterally to it rolling up his line.

Now some Screen shots.

[2ndACR]

Here we have the holes I have smashed thru in the North. I have blasted a hole in the mountains and will try to bag those divisions, I have blasted a hole near Novogorod to move east, and my armor has smashed thru south of the lake.

[2ndACR]

Here we have the northern Central zone. Notice the huge holes I have ripped into his lines. Light pink will start sweeping north and green will move due east. You can also see the pocket forming around Smolensk.

[2ndACR]

Here we have the Central 2 zone, starting just below Smolensk pocket and extending along the swamps. I will begin moving south and roll his line and also some armor from Southern zone will sweep north forcing the retreat or pocket.

[2ndACR]

Here we have the Southern zone 1. I am across the river in force and Kiev will be pocketed soon. 1-2 armor units will sweep north from here and start rolling or pocketing the Russian swamp line. The others will smash east and south along the river.

[2ndACR]

And finally, the Southern Zone 2. 11th Army has captured Odessa and shattered the Russian line. They will start moving south to cross into the Crimea.

[2ndACR]

And now the butchers bill. I have been trying to pocket and avoiding slamming headlong into the Russian lines to preserve my forces. I need to start deciding on a winter front to begin getting ready. Any Ideas?

[2ndACR]

Okay turn 11. I have entered Sept and need to start planning Defense lines. Anyone have any good idea's?

I have thought about digging in along the Dnepr river, but something about giving all the ground back hurts. Also, the lakes up north, do they really freeze over? I have yet to see the AI cross them.

[2ndACR]

Turn 11 North Zone 1.

I have pushed right to the edge of Leningrad. I think I might have to shift my armor around some. I blew a big hole in the center near Novogrod but ran into a strong defense line south of that lake. Any idea's?

[2ndACR]

Turn 11 North Zone 2

Here we see that I have blown the middle open and steady advancing. looking for the next defense line.

Winter coming so need to start planning defense strategy and looking for idea's.

[2ndACR]

Turn 11 Central Zone 1

Here Smolensk was abandoned by the AI as it tried to get out of the pocket I created. I should destroy all those trapped units next turn.

The center is pretty weak, but not sure if I want to advance that far with winter coming.

[2ndACR]

Turn 11 Central Zone 2

Here Gomel has been taken, and I am finally almost out of the swamps. Not sure how far to take this advance.

[2ndACR]

South Zone 1

Kiev is basically mine. I have unhinged the AI lines and it is pulling back as fast as it can. I am tempted to press on the gas, but maybe I am too cautious.

[2ndACR]

South Zone 2

Here we see the almost open front. 11th Army is advancing. I have seen too many times the Axis Allies get gutted by winter, so I need some ideas on how to plan my defense, so any help appreciated.

[2ndACR]

And finally turn 11 Casualties.

[Grotius]

Seems like you're doing well. My only thought on Leningrad is that the terrain up there isn't great for armor. Not sure what to advise beyond that; I'm playing the Sov side in the GC vs the AI, so I'm no expert on how to play the Germans. How are your supply lines?

[2ndACR]

Here are supply screen shots.

North

I have 2 rail heads not too far from front lines